(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Job interviews often are the first impression that an applicant can make on an employer.
Texas State Technical College’s Career Services department works to prepare students for interviews even before they graduate. Interview Practicums were held at three of the West Texas campuses this month to help students fine-tune their interview skills.
Four Welding Technology students at the Breckenridge campus each went through the three rounds of practice interviews, with TSTC staff members serving as their interviewers.
The students appreciated the opportunity to be part of the interviews.
“I love being able to do this,” Thomas Dittmer, of Breckenridge, said. “It is good that we are able to practice our interview techniques.”
Dittmer said the interviewers provided feedback, which helped prepare him for the remaining sessions.
“I was able to pick up on some of the things I was doing because of the nerves,” he said. “I felt more comfortable after each interview.”
Zechariah Henderson, of Cisco, said the Interview Practicum helped him build his confidence.
“I have done some job interviews for fast food places, but not with someone I might want to begin a career with,” he said.
Henderson described the first interview as “tense,” but he noticed a different trend from there.
“I was more relaxed during the remaining interviews,” he said.
Jacob Gonzales, a Welding Technology instructor, offered students advice after each session and made sure that each one had a copy of their resume to give the interviewer.
“I wanted them to settle down because I knew they were nervous,” he said. “I wanted to be their coach, like in athletics, and help them improve with each interview.”
Gonzales said the Interview Practicums are important events for students.
“The interview is going to show everyone how well you can communicate with an employer,” he said.
Interview Practicums were also held at the Abilene and Sweetwater campuses this month. Industry partners who helped conduct the interviews represented Abimar Foods, Arrow Ford, the city of Sweetwater, Eagle Railcar Services, NextEra Energy and Warren CAT.
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
